Diagnosis

Symptoms
Diagnosis of BPS/IC focuses on the main symptoms and their character, beginning, duration and cause.There are many different causes of BPS/IC-like symptoms and the symptoms vary and unique between individuals from mild to disabling. Therefore symptoms need to be collected carefully and analyzed thoroughly.

Common BPS/IC Symptoms in Men

Pain, discomfort or pressure:

in the bladder, penis, testis, or scrotum

above the pubic bone,

in the lower abdomen

in the pelvic floor

in the groin area

in the lower back

Pain when you ejaculate or a day after ejaculation

Frequent, sometimes painful, urination (more than 8 times per day)

Frequent urination at night (more than 2 times per night)

Feel the urge to urinate, sometimes even after you have emptied you bladder

Symptoms come and go – flare ups may be associated with certain foods, allergies, and stress

Common BPS/IC symptoms in Women

Pain, discomfort or pressure:

in the bladder, in the urethra, in the vagina,

above the pubic bone,

inside of the thighs,

in the lower abdomen,

in the lower back,

in the groin area

Pain during or after sexual intercourse

Frequent, sometimes painful urination (more than 8 times per day)

Wake up more than two times at night to urinate

Feel the urge to urinate, sometimes even after emptying the bladder

Unresolved symptoms that resemble a urinary tract infection (UTI) that have not responded to antibiotic therapy

Symptoms come and go – flare-ups may be associated with menstruation, certain foods, allergies and stress

Associated disorders

BPS/IC is often associated with other poorly understood medical conditions. In some patients IC may be accompanied by one or more other well defined disorders. The presence of associated disorders might suggest the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis